A hands-on in-person lab completing a full disassembly of a Dell desktop computer. Every component was identified, safely removed, photographed, and documented the process. I also followed CompTIA A+ objectives and proper ESD safety procedures throughout the process.
Before beginning any disassembly, I set up the work environment with adequate lighting and antistatic protection. The desktop computer was placed on the workbench and labeled with my name. I connected the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, then powered the system on to confirm it was functional.
The computer successfully displayed the BIOS splash screen with the following access keys:
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F2 | Enter Setup |
| DEL | Enter BIOS |
| F12 | Boot Menu |
The computer fully loaded the operating system, confirming the machine was in working condition before disassembly began.
I put on the anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components. I identified the screws securing the side panels to the case frame, then used a screwdriver to release them. All screws were placed in a marked container.
With the side panels removed, the internal components were fully visible, including the KingFast SSD in its blue drive tray, the AVC CPU cooler and fan, the Dell power supply unit, and the green Dell motherboard.
Before disconnecting anything, I photographed the front panel cables connecting to the motherboard so I could reference them during reassembly. I then disconnected internal cables in the following order:
After all cables were removed, I photographed the open case to document the clean state before component removal.
I identified and released the screws securing the power supply unit and removed it from the case. The PSU was placed in the work area for documentation.
When checking for a network adapter card in the expansion slots, I confirmed that this computer did not have a NIC installed in an expansion slot. Similarly, no additional expansion cards were present beyond what was already identified. Both steps were noted and documented accordingly.
After exploring the system, I identified one storage device which is a KingFast SSD mounted in a blue drive tray. I released the screws securing it to the bay, removed the drive from the case, and placed it in an anti-static bag labeled as belonging to my computer.
With cables disconnected and the PSU removed, I had clear access to the motherboard screws. I identified all mounting screws, released them carefully, and gently lifted the Dell motherboard out of the case while taking care not to damage the I/O plate or touch the conductive areas. The motherboard was placed on a non-conductive surface in the work area.
With the motherboard on the workbench, I identified two RAM modules installed on the board. I released the retention clips and carefully removed both sticks, placing them on a non-conductive surface and photographing them for documentation.
For CPU cooling, the system used an AVC brand cooler with a blower-style fan. I disconnected the CPU cooler power cable, released the mounting mechanism, and carefully lifted the cooler away from the CPU while taking care not to yank the CPU from its socket.
After the cooler was removed, I identified the lever securing the CPU to the LGA socket, released it, and gently lifted the CPU straight up without applying force. The CPU was placed pins-facing-up on a non-conductive surface and photographed.
After exploring the full case, I confirmed that the only fan present was the CPU cooler fan and there were no additional case fans mounted to the chassis. The fan was documented, placed in a labeled container, and all screws were collected in a marked container.
| Component | Details Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Dell Desktop Small Form Factor | Fully functional before disassembly |
| Motherboard | Dell OEM — Intel chipset | Removed and placed on non-conductive surface |
| CPU | Intel processor — LGA socket | Removed using lever mechanism, no force required |
| RAM | 2 modules installed | Released using retention clips, placed in anti-static bag |
| CPU Cooler | AVC blower-style fan/heatsink | Only cooling in the system — no additional case fans |
| Power Supply | Dell OEM PSU — 80 Plus rated | Screws released and removed from rear of case |
| Storage Device | KingFast SSD (2.5" SATA) | Mounted in blue drive tray — only one storage device present |
| NIC / Network Card | None in expansion slot | No dedicated NIC card found — likely integrated on motherboard |
| Expansion Cards | None present | No additional expansion cards beyond integrated components |
| Internal Cables | Main power, SATA, front panel, fan cables | All disconnected in order and placed in labeled container |
Six videos recorded using Meta glasses during the live break and fix lab — first-person POV.